Following the unanimous approval of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senate Bill 386 now awaits approval from the full Senate next week. On February 6th, Senator Brandon Beach, author of Senate Bill 386 proposed the Senate’s newest measure to improve transportation throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Senate Bill 386 aims to address the transit needs of 13 metro counties within the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority service area. Similar to the House Transportation Bill, Senate Bill 386 will create an Atlanta-region Transit Link (ATL) and, -transit funding for that governance structure.

Through this legislation Georgia Regional Transportation Authority would oversee the creation of the ATL board. Counties under the ATL would be empowered to propose a ballot measure for a 30-year, sales tax in increments up to 1%. The “ATL” Commission will develop, manage, and execute regional transit strategies throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area. The ATL Commission will consist of the Georgia Commissioner of Transportation, Mayor of Atlanta, Chief Executive Officer of MARTA, and County Commission Chairmen from each member-county.

Georgia Transportation Alliance Executive Director, Seth Millican expressed his sentiments, “The Georgia Chamber and Georgia Transportation Alliance applaud the Georgia House and Senate’s hard work, leadership, and dedication to improve transportation and infrastructure.”

As transportation is a longstanding Chamber priority, the Georgia Chamber supports SB 386 and encourages the General Assembly’s favorable consideration in our pursuit to reform the current system for transit governance and funding in metro Atlanta to improve the quality of life and business climate.

 

 

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